Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

On March 1, 1980, the Second Academy, in the joint names of the Second Department, the 23rd Institute, the 25th Institute, and the 706th Institute, submitted a "Request for Undertaking the Hongqi-7 Development Task" to the higher authorities. On April 21 of the same year, the higher authorities issued Document No. 91, officially clarifying that the Second Academy would undertake the development task of the Hongqi-7 low-altitude air defense missile weapon system. This document was also known as the "Tianzihao Document."

In May of the same year, Zhong Lao was appointed as the chief designer of the Hongqi-7 project. This was a short-range missile that was required to have the ability to intercept ultra-low-altitude targets. The time was tight, the task was heavy, and the requirements were high. Seeing that there was no independently developed model in China that had been successfully developed, Zhong Lao and his design team knew how arduous this task was. However, they did not shirk their responsibility and resolutely started the research, no matter how many difficulties they had to overcome, they had to develop this project!

When the Navy wanted to introduce the Sea Crotale missile, they immediately developed a strong interest in this missile, which had similar performance indicators to their project, and couldn't wait to see it.

However, the French were watching very closely.

If Qin Yang hadn't invited Thomas and others for a drink, and if it hadn't looked like the deal was about to be finalized and the order was in hand, the French would never have allowed the Easterners to independently operate this weapon. French experts had to be present, and it was even more impossible to disassemble it for research.

Now, the sample was finally in hand, without spending any money. As for that fire, it had been prepared long ago, and the loss was not significant. Everyone was very excited.

Zhong Lao and the others rushed over to receive it on the spot. When Qin Yang recognized him, Zhong Lao was even more surprised: "Director Qin, how do you know me?"

"Our Factory 960 is going to develop air defense missiles, and we will definitely need to cooperate with the aerospace department. Our factory is only responsible for final assembly. Many parts and components need to be provided by the aerospace system, so of course I have to learn about the veterans of our aerospace department in advance."

Zhong Lao nodded: "That's right, we have received your Factory 960's request for assistance with components. Director Qin, please rest assured that our aerospace department will fully cooperate. After all, your missiles are related to the equipment of the three services, which is much more important than our missiles! If you encounter resistance, Director Qin can come to me, and I will coordinate for you."

Zhong Lao was very grateful to Qin Yang and would definitely help with all his strength in the future, without hesitation!

"Well, since you, Zhong Lao, are here, then there is nothing for me to worry about. I'm going back." Qin Yang said, "Zhong Lao, I will visit you when I have time in the future."

"Wait, Director Qin, after our Hongqi-7 is developed and equipped by the troops, what if it is discovered by the outside world that it is very similar to the Sea Crotale? Will it affect you? If it does, we need to modify the appearance, even if the performance is reduced a bit."

"Don't worry, there are too many weapons in the world with similar appearances. Who dares to say it's plagiarism?" Qin Yang shook his head: "Even if it's plagiarism, so what? In the military industry, being able to plagiarize is our skill. We will follow the path of the French and leave the French with no way to go."

The YJ-8 and Exocet have similar appearances and will be exported to the world in the future, making it impossible for the Exocet to sell. As for the Hongqi-7, it will also be sold in large quantities under the name FM-80. French goods are expensive and difficult to use, how can they be as good as Eastern goods.

"But how can we do business with the French in the future? They won't sell us any weapons, will they?"

"How is that possible? The French will not give up on our market. Without French goods, there are products from other countries. We are not limited to them as the only option. They will have to rush to sell us weapons in the future."

"Director Qin, Factory 960 is calling, saying that a big client has come to the door, please go back as soon as possible." At this moment, a cadre from the base ran over.

"Big client?" Qin Yang's face was radiant. Good, they are here to give me money! I can continue to make a big profit!

Capital, Factory 960, reception room.

The newly renovated reception room was full of modernity, with wide leather sofas, solid wood coffee tables, and several Western famous paintings hanging on the walls, looking very tasteful.

However, at this time, Sergio had no time to appreciate everything here. He paced back and forth on the high-end carpet, obviously very anxious. He kept looking towards the direction of the door, hoping that familiar figure would appear as soon as possible.

God bless, let him come quickly!

Creak, the door opened, and he looked at the figure appearing at the door, made a cross on his chest, and thanked God!

"Director Qin, you are our true friend, our savior!" Sergio was very excited: "Qin, one of the missiles that sank the Sheffield this time was purchased from you!"

The performance of the missile has been verified, and Sergio is very grateful to Qin Yang.

"Well, I've heard about it too. Congratulations on severely打击 the enemy's arrogance and avenging your cruiser. However, your enemy doesn't seem to be giving up and is continuing to send reinforcements. The war has to continue."

"That's right." Sergio said: "Therefore, we need more Exocet missiles. We want to send the British aircraft carrier formation into the sea. Qin, we hope to continue purchasing Exocet missiles from you."

"Alas, it's not easy this time. You probably don't know that the UK has put more pressure on France, demanding to supervise the flow of every Exocet missile. All the Exocet missiles in Iraq are under the supervision of French consultants."

"Qin, you must have a way. Please help us. We are waging a just war and we need your help."

Qin Yang was silent.

"As long as we can get Exocet missiles, we can accept any price!" Sergio continued.

"If you want to get it now, there are many relationships that need to be taken care of. At least it will cost two million US dollars per missile." Qin Yang said.

"Two million is two million, we can accept it!"

Seeing his appearance, it seemed that he had been mentally prepared for a long time. Qin Yang regretted it for a while. If he had known, he would have asked for three million US dollars per missile! Careless, hasty.

"However, Director Qin, we can't raise so much money for the time being. Can we use some wine to offset the payment?" Sergio was full of expectations.

"Wine? My friend, you should know that no one dares to drink openly there. That is blasphemy."

Sergio's face was full of sorrow.

"However, if the price is right, our Fangbei Company is willing to help you receive your wine and then pay you in US dollars in advance." Qin Yang said: "Is the shortfall big?"

"We currently only have a shortfall of about one million US dollars. We will use one million US dollars worth of wine to trade, no, we are willing to give you two million US dollars worth of wine! To express our gratitude."

From then on, Factory 960 had an additional wine cellar, which stored a large amount of fine wine. These wines were drunk for decades before they were finished, and the price also rose with the increase in the year. A bottle of 1982 Solano wine could be sold for tens of thousands of yuan. The wine in the entire wine cellar was worth more than 50 million US dollars.